Tribute in Memory of Bill Patrick

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Bill Patrick, a tenacious public servant from Eastern Kentucky, a beloved leader of the Kentucky County Attorneys Association, and a champion for drug control policies and addiction recovery efforts in the Commonwealth.

Bill wore many hats with great success, serving in various public offices from Powell County to the state capital. He was magnanimous by nature and unafraid to effect change at an early age. When he was 26 years old, he was elected Powell County Judge Executive, courageously edging out a long-time incumbent to become the state's youngest top county executor at the time. Before his second term ended, Governor Wallace Wilkinson appointed him Commissioner of Local Government. However, his fast-paced victories didn't come without challenges. Bill valiantly battled alcoholism and spent a lifetime helping others do the same, offering his personal support through the 12-step recovery program and visiting individuals when their struggles intensified. He passionately shared his own testimony, planting seeds of hope where it was needed the most. Bill proudly earned his 21-year Alcoholics Anonymous Medallion just weeks before his battle with cancer proved to be too great a feat.

Even though we stood on opposite sides of the political aisle, Bill was a loyal friend and a stalwart partner for programs that would improve the future of Eastern Kentucky. As former Director of Kentucky's Office of Drug Control Policy, he was one of Operation UNITE's greatest allies, working diligently to develop life-saving efforts to drive down drug overdose death rates across Kentucky. It was evident that his own recovery fueled his courage of conviction as he led this arena with tremendous gratitude and humility.

We lost this Kentucky gentleman far too soon, but Bill's family and friends should be proud of the legacy he leaves behind. My wife Cynthia and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Patrick family and we pray for God's peace and comfort in the days ahead.

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